The City of Golden is currently seeking a Police Chief. Come and see why the City of Golden is the place you want to be!
Being a Golden employee is more than just a job, it's a lifestyle. Golden is a vibrant outdoor community making it a great place to live, work and play.
- Location, location, location – Work near great restaurants and shops, hit the trails, and enjoy the outdoor scenery of Clear Creek and the foothills. Convenient commuting from all directions.
- Paid time off – Paid vacation starts at 16 days (that's over 3 weeks!), plus 12 days of sick time and 12 paid holidays each year.
- Great benefits – The City matches up to 16% of your retirement contributions, plus offers a full-spectrum of benefits and perks, including tuition reimbursement (check it out)!
Click here for more information and to apply
Reporting to the City Manager, the Police Chief is responsible for leading a dynamic team while performing a variety of complex administrative, supervisory, and professional duties. The Chief coordinates and directs all departmental activities, develops and manages the biennial budget, and upholds the highest standards in policing. The position serves as the department’s liaison to the City Manager and City Council, maintains a high level of public outreach and accessibility, and fosters strong collaboration and cooperation with other law enforcement agencies
THE CITY OF GOLDEN
Incorporated in 1871, Golden is a full-service city spanning 9 square miles and supported by a team of 301 full-time equivalent employees, a 2026 operating budget of $112 million, and an all-funds budget of $150 million. The City operates under the Council-Manager form of government with a seven-member City Council. In May 2024, the City expanded a compressed workweek pilot program to all City departments and continues refining the program to maximize employee wellbeing and balance.
THE GOLDEN POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Golden Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency handling over 28,000 calls for service in 2025. With a 2026 budget of $14.1 million, the department is fully supported by the community to maintain the highest standards in training, equipment, and support. The department employs 53 sworn members and 19 non-sworn civilian staff, totaling 72 FTEs in 3 divisions: Administration, Support Services, and Patrol.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
- Innovative with a demonstrated ability to see the big picture.
- Embraces technology, demonstrates enthusiasm and creativity, and brings forward fresh ideas.
- Will build on the agency positive work culture and relationships, leading by example.
- Treats all people with dignity and compassion and respects diverse perspectives.
- Holds self and agency employees accountable for performance and profession best practices.
- Interactive, authentic, and demonstrates humility through a peoplecentered management approach.
- Has strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to communicate openly, professionally, and effectively—both in-person and in writing throughout the entire city.
- A tactful team player who collaborates under the ‘One-City’ approach with peer department heads, agency staff, elected officials, and Sheriff’s Office personnel, fostering mutual respect.
- Mentors future leaders and encourages continuing education and training for all staff.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in police science, public or business administration, or related field. (Master's degree preferred.)
- Minimum 10 years of broad and extensive experience in police work, including 3 years in a senior command officer capacity.
- Must possess or be able to obtain POST certification (or equivalent).
- Or equivalent education and experience that demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
DESIRED: Completion of a major command school such as the F.B.I. National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, or Senior Management Institute for Police Executives (SMIP), or comparable school. Strong preference for Colorado policing experience and/or familiarity with recent Colorado specific law enforcement regulations
This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a community-centered police agency just west of Denver at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The police department is a well-managed organization with a mix of young and tenured staff, including commissioned officers and non-commissioned support staff. Department members have a phenomenal can-do culture with a family atmosphere and a strong emphasis on community and equity-based policing, backed by a “One-City” philosophy throughout all city departments. The city council and citizens are highly engaged and want what is best for Golden. They are very supportive of the police department and all city services. If you are looking for a friendly, supportive community with a small-town feel and a workplace with dedicated professionals who strive to provide excellent in-person police services, this may be the right opportunity.
For Additional Information About This Position Please Contact
Tim Troxel, GMP Consultants
tim@gmphr.com / 206-696-4542
Website: https://gmphr.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a2nm8xmw8n2q/aa0
